The Portugal winger, 25, has so far failed to agree a new contract at Old Trafford, placing his future under Sir Alex Ferguson in doubt.

And that has alerted City, who are in the market for a winger with England wideman Adam Johnson, 24, expected to leave.

Arsenal’s Theo Walcott, 23, has also been discussed at City but boss Roberto Mancini is understood to be cool on that idea at the moment. Tricky Nani has two years remaining on his current United deal and ideally wants to

remain at Old Trafford.

He is a big favourite with the fans and it is also unlikely that United would consider selling him to new champions City – particularly at the moment.

But Nani’s name has been discussed at the Etihad.

Sunderland, meanwhile, are expected to step up their interest in Johnson, now that manager Martin O’Neill is armed with the proceeds from the sale of striker Asamoah Gyan, 26 to Al Ain in Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, Mancini was yesterday linked with the vacant position of managing Russia.

The City boss is said to be on a three-man shortlist to replace former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat.